Highlights

  • Romance is an important element in modern RPGs, and some games stand out for having great romance options and mechanics.
  • Thousand Arms, Record of Agarest War, Harvest Moon: Story of Seasons, Harvest Moon: Animal Parade, and Rune Factory 2 are all RPGs with notable romance features.
  • These games offer deep, in-depth approaches to romance, with mechanics that allow players to date, marry, and even have children with their chosen partners.

Unlike classic RPGs that love the good ol' blend of might and magic, modern RPGs focus just as much on relationships as they do on combat. As a result, some of the best RPGs nowadays boast interesting mechanics tied to making friends, building reputations, and even establishing bonds with player companions. In turn, romance easily becomes a must-have element in modern RPGs. Sometimes, it's a huge plus if an RPG offers ways for players to build romances with their favorite NPCs.

Unfortunately, newcomers who want to explore more social dimensions of RPGs might have a hard time finding those worthwhile. After all, romance isn't always a big element in RPGs. And even if romance is present in a game, it's not always a standout title. Still, some titles stand out above the rest for being RPGs with the best romances.

Updated on December 27, 2023, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Baldur’s Gate 3 securing the year’s RPG of the Year at 2023’s The Game Awards, fans of the genre may be wondering just how the Dungeons & Dragons adaptation would fare from the perspective of the character relationships. And with gamers praising the RPG for its take on romance, RPG fans may be wondering exactly how Baldur’s Gate 3 may fare compared to other RPGs in terms of relationships. Other standouts in this department include a game where players can actively command companions in real-time, an RPG where players lead a rebellion, a story of an amnesiac at the crossroads of the multiverse, a farming simulator where even children become rivals, and the aforementioned Game of the Year.

24 Thousand Arms

IGN: 8.5/10

Meis of Thousand Arms

Developer

TOSE

Release Date

December 17, 1998

Platforms

PlayStation

Genre

Fantasy

How Many Romance Options

9

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Despite being a 1998 title, Thousand Arms remains a classic among JRPGs for its unique take on cross-genre, its innovative combat system, and its intriguing story. Set in a steampunk World, the Spirit Blacksmith Meis becomes entrusted to find the legendary Sacred Flames before the malevolent Dark Acolytes use them to sow chaos everywhere. And the catch? Meis can strengthen his smithing powers by dating women.

Thus begins a hilarious yet captivating story of how Meis saves the world while finding his true love. This isn’t to say that Thousand Arms doesn’t have a great romance, though. Each female protagonist has a charming personality - from brave Sodina Dawnfried, nerdy but form-changing Nelsha, and even sarcastic Kyleen, among others.

How Is Romance In Thousand Arms?

Despite being a 1998 game, Thousand Arms has quite the in-depth approach to romance. At first, dating seems rather straightforward as players must go to a Goddess of Love statue and choose an eligible girl to take out on a date. However, dating segments transform into an in-depth mini-game, where players must raise their Intimacy Level by answering questions according to the girl’s preference and giving proper gifts. A girl with a high enough Intimacy Level can imbue weapons with various skills and spells.

23 Record Of Agarest War

Metascore: 67

Record Of Agarest War

Developer

Idea Factory, Red Entertainment, Compile Heart, Laughing Jackal, HyberDevbox

Release Date

September 27, 2007

Platforms

PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch

Genre

Fantasy

How Many Romance Options

12

Is There A Canon Romance

No

In Record Of Agarest War, adventurers have to step up as heroes to stop the reemergence of an ancient evil. The thing is, the game is split into five generations, beginning with a soldier named Leonhardt. His interactions with his female companions will end up in marriage. Thanks to the Soul Breed system, their offspring serve the protagonist of the next generation.

Interestingly, the new generation's protagonist inherits the best qualities of their parents. In subsequent games, players encounter enhanced mechanics for the Soul Breed System. For instance, Agarest 2 has Dark Love, where the protagonist is only married to the mate out of political interests, with the resulting offspring getting poor stats.

How Is Romance In Record Of Agarest War?

With Agarest War spanning multiple generations, it’s surprising that romance isn’t a major component of the player’s experience. However, romance does work less like a dating sim and more of stat players need to manage, especially when their characters interact with heroines to discover their prospective spouses. With each player's character generation impacting gameplay, the game sets itself apart from other titles with how each new generation’s character can have different looks, weapons, and even passives.

22 Harvest Moon: Story of Seasons

Metascore: 76

Harvest Moon Story of Seasons

Developer

Marvelous AQL

Release Date

February 27, 2014

Platforms

Nintendo 3DS

Genre

Farm life sim

How Many Romance Options

8

Is There A Canon Romance

No

When Natsume acquired Harvest Moon, it released Story of Seasons as its first title in 2014. Despite the naming difference, Story of Seasons was a delight to behold to anyone in love with the franchise. True to the franchise, players take on the role of a farmer in Oak Tree Town. New to the game at the time were Rival Farmers, which spices things up for players.

On the romance angle, Story of Seasons gives players the option of up to six spousal candidates. While their relationships won’t affect the main storyline, the varying personalities and nuances of each potential partner breathe new life into the game. Moreover, the game’s extensive dating mechanics will have players attached to their favored character very early on in the relationship.

How Is Romance In Story Of Seasons?

With Story of Seasons also being a Harvest Moon game, the title shares similar traits with RF2 about overall romance options. While the game similarly has a slate of eligible Bachelorettes and Rival Bachelors to contend with, Story of Seasons trumps RF2 in terms of overall character development. The more updated game mechanics blending with romance interactions can make for a more enjoyable farming experience.

21 Harvest Moon: Animal Parade

Metascore: 76

Harvest Moon: Animal Parade

Developer

Marvelous Interactive

Release Date

October 30, 2008

Platforms

Nintendo Wii

Genre

Simulation

How Many Romance Options

20 (10 per Male/Female)

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Introduced as a sequel to Tree of Tranquility, players of Harvest Moon: Animal Parade are tasked to save the tree at the Harvest Goddess’ Spring and restore the power of nature on the island. Doing so requires the collection of five mystical bells - and with a farm to manage, Harvest Moon players are in for a busy time.

Much of the mechanics of Tree of Tranquility are retained in Animal Parade with improved gameplay. On top of a larger map and a slower flow of time, players can choose one out of four protagonist “styles” that determine their base appearance and starting story. Moreover, on the romance end, Animal Parade not only lets players have two children, but the game now lets the entire family help out on the farm, on top of four celestial beings becoming marriage candidates themselves.

Romance In Harvest Moon: Animal Parade

Gameplay in Animal Parade allows players to court ten Bachelors or Bachelorettes depending on their starting gender, each of which will bring players gifts, ask them out on dates, and even confess to them. Aside from being able to have kids with them, “rivalries” become a unique romance mechanic in Animal Parade. Rivals in the game, who are also the player’s friends, will often try to “steal” their beloved by out-courting them. Moreover, the children of the players may also have rival children, adding unique interactions throughout the experience.

20 Rune Factory 2

Metascore: 77

Rune Factory 2
Rune Factory 2
Platform(s)
Nintendo DS
Released
November 18, 2008
Developer
Neverland
Genre(s)
Simulation , JRPG

How Many Romance Options

7

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Fans who want a spin on the farm life in Harvest Moon will love Rune Factory 2. Taking a cue from its fantasy concept, Rune Factory 2 now has board tasks and the much-requested multi-generation gameplay from the first few Harvest Moon titles. As such, the game plays over the course of two generations, with choices in the first affecting the second.

In the first generation, players control the amnesiac Kyle as he starts a new life in Alvarna. In the second generation, Kyle hands down the reins of being the protagonist to his child, Aaron (if a boy) or Aria (if a girl).

Aside from typical farm sim elements such as farming, harvesting, and crafting, Rune Factory 2 features a combat element. Being an RPG, players can train Kyle and Aaron/Aria to fight monsters around town. Moreover, players can marry a partner in both generations, with players in charge of developing their relationships.

How Is Romance In Rune Factory 2?

Like other sim games, Rune Factory 2 players have options to be in relationships with anyone in Alvarna, a trait his children also share. As with other RPGs, players need to boost their relationships with villagers to unlock new content before eventually being able to marry them. What makes RF2 romances quite interesting is the existence of Rival Bachelors or characters who may take an interest in the Bachelorette and threaten to steal them from the player.

19 Trails In The Sky

Metascore: 79

Trails in the Sky

Developer

Nihon Falcom

Release Date

June 24, 2004

Platforms

PC, PSP, PS3, PS Visa

Genre

Fantasy

How Many Romance Options

1

Is There A Canon Romance

Yes

When an RPG has a great romance, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in the player’s hands. Trails In The Sky is one such game where players embark on an adventure with an inevitable pairing. In Trails In The Sky, players will see Estelle Bright and her adopted brother Joshua as they travel around the country of Liberl. Their original journey will have them complete their training as Bracers, a multinational organization tasked to protect civilians. However, their adventure will have them involved in a coup that seeks to overthrow the current monarchy.

As expected of a Trails title, Trails In The Sky has a diverse cast of characters that the game doesn’t fail to expand or emphasize. More importantly, its open-ended story allowed players to interpret what comes out of Estelle and Joshua’s story as they would. Fans of and newcomers to JRPGs would have a delightful experience going through Trails In The Sky.

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How Is Romance In Trails In The Sky?

Despite having a canonical romance front and center with the story of Estelle and Joshua Bright, Trails in the Sky used this “set relationship” to their advantage. The dynamic of Estelle and Joshua being step-siblings worked with how the plot is eventually presented to players, with Joshua’s past catching up to him, setting up various scenarios that make players invested in their developing relationship.

18 Star Ocean: The Second Story

Metascore: 80

Star Ocean - RPG With Great Romances
Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch
Released
November 2, 2023
Developer(s)
Gemdrops, Inc.
Genre(s)
JRPG

How Many Romance Options

All possible combinations of characters

Is There A Canon Romance

No

While originally released in 2000, Star Ocean: The Second Story has aged quite well. In The Second Story, Ensign Claude Kenni of the Earth Federation finds himself stranded on the medieval planet of Expel, where Rena Lanford mistakes him for the Hero of Light.

Being a Star Ocean title, The Second Story breaks off traditional RPG mechanics with new systems. However, where it shines is its Private Actions system, where players can influence the way party members see each other.

In a Private Action, the party splits up in a town to do their "own thing" - visit family or friends or even shop and relax. Players can then converse with these allies to see if they can like or dislike other characters. This affects two things - firstly, characters who like each other will get bonuses in combat. Secondly, players can get up to 87 endings depending on how each character's relationship with one another plays out.

How Is Romance In Star Ocean: The Second Story?

Despite its age, The Second Story has quite an extensive relationship system, with players capable of ending up with various characters based on a hidden “relationship” system. Depending on a player’s multiple decisions in the game, they can get one of Second Story’s 87 endings, all of which potentially lead to a romantic relationship based on player interactions.

17 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

Metascore: 81

Dragon’s Dogma
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , PC
Released
April 23, 2013
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Action RPG

How Many Romance Options

Almost all NPCs

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Fans of RPGs who want a traditional hack-and-slash experience may appreciate the depth of Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, where its protagonist the Arisen can use traditional combat and grab onto enemies for unique maneuvers as they save the world from the dragon Grigori. Unique to Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is its Pawn mechanic, where players can actively give commands to their companions throughout the game’s real-time combat system.

While only certain Pawns are available for romance, almost all other NPCs are viable romantic partners given enough affinity. Considered in-game as the Beloved, the player’s chosen romantic partner can range from anyone among the available NPCs in the RPG.

Romance In Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

Unlike other games where players only have a select number of romantic partners, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen gives players the opportunity to romance any NPC they encounter. Depending on the NPC’s role in the game, they may try to make themselves more accessible to players, such as a Beloved NPC setting up shop closer to Cassardis, the starting point in the game. While the Beloved only directly affecting two quests limits their narrative impact, the idea of players forging their own relationships at their own pace adds to the immersion factor of the hack-and-slash experience.

16 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel

Metascore: 81

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , PS4 , PS Vita , Switch
Released
December 22, 2015
Developer(s)
Nihon Falcom
Genre(s)
JRPG

How Many Romance Options

11

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Fans of The Legend of Heroes will appreciate the Trails of Cold Steel for its in-depth story. The first game directly ties to the sequel, where a player's save file in Cold Steel 1 carries over to Cold Steel 2. The game takes place after Trails in the Sky, where tensions escalate between the Reformists and the four aristocratic Noble Houses.

Players take on the role of Rean Schwarzer and his classmates of Class VII in Thors Military Academy. Their Class contains both nobility and commoners, removing class segregation among their ranks but still making room for tensions between the classmates. In terms of combat, the relationships inside Class VII directly tie into the bonuses they gain on the battlefield. However, Rean also has the option to romance one of his many classmates - directly affecting the outcome of the game.

How Is Romance In Trails Of Cold Steel?

Unlike earlier Trails titles with canon romances, Cold Steel gives players options to romance whichever character they wish, depending on how high their Link Levels are with certain characters. The game’s school setting makes for a perfect setup for players to actively pursue characters they’re interested in, with various events expanding on their personalities and motivations. On top of other requirements, a max Link Level will make players eligible for a final Bonding Event during the Thors Military Academy Festival that decides their partner.

15 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Metascore: 84

Yakuza Like A Dragon
Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Platform(s)
Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
November 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
JRPG

How Many Romance Options

6

Is There A Canon Romance

Yes (revealed in Yakuza 8)

Unlike the story of most Yakuza or Like A Dragon games, where Kazuma Kiryu tries to walk away from the yakuza life, it’s Yakuza: Like A Dragon that gives players a fresh take on the rich yakuza subculture in Japan. Now starring newcomer Ichiban Kasuga, players take him on a journey to become a “hero” despite preconceived notions about his chosen career path. And just like how a hero may need a heroine to call a partner, Yakuza: Like A Dragon does offer six (6) prospective choices.

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Similar to how the Yakuza series transforms the modern setting into an RPG format Like A Dragon stuns in its romance options by actually giving players realistic options for relationships. All the partners Ichiban can choose in the game are realistic characters - all of whom have jobs such as teaching in a vocational school (Manae) and working as a hostess (Iroha), among others. Ichiban has the option of romancing each at a time or all at once, offering different outcomes.

How Is Romance In Yakuza: Like A Dragon?

Despite each romance option in Like A Dragon offering interesting personalities, approaching them as romantic interests isn’t as exciting as with other games. Ichiban needs to level up his relationship meter with his chosen prospect until they transition into a romantic relationship via cutscene. After getting into a relationship with a partner, players can hire them as an employee of Ichiban Holdings. The system is lackluster because Ichiban can romance all prospects at once with no story consequence. Romancing all of them at once unlocks “The Lone Survivor” substory in the Survive Bar that rewards Ichiban with +10 Defense.

14 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Metascore: 85

dragon age ea play 2021
Dragon Age: Inquisition

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , PC
Released
November 18, 2014
Developer(s)
BioWare
Genre(s)
Action RPG

How Many Romance Options

8

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Video game romances wouldn't be complete without a BioWare entry. Thankfully, Dragon Age: Inquisition easily fulfills any player's wish for meaningful romances in games. In this third Dragon Age entry, players take on the role of the Inquisitor on a mission to quell the civil unrest in Thedas. However, the Inquisitor soon gets embroidered in a plot to close the Breach, a tear in the sky that lets demons through the world.

Aside from its fast-paced action combat, players of Inquisition will appreciate a renewed focus on interaction. For the most part, players can recruit various NPCs into the Inquisition. Moreover, these interactions eventually lead to important decisions throughout Thedas. Additionally, the Inquisitor can have up to nine companions, eight of whom can be romanced while tackling their deep backstories.

How Is Romance In Dragon Age: Inquisition?

Typical of a BioWare experience, Dragon Age: Inquisition allows players to romance multiple game characters. However, players aren’t confined to serious romances, as they can engage in harmless flirting with other characters should they want to spice up dialogue. NPCs also have preferences for partners, with intimate encounters impacting how quests are resolved. Outside this, players have eight candidates for a serious romance, each with requirements tied to equally interesting personalities.

13 Cyberpunk 2077

Metascore: 86

Cyberpunk 2077-1
Cyberpunk 2077

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox One , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
Released
December 10, 2020
Developer(s)
CD Projekt Red
Genre(s)
RPG , Action

How Many Romance Options

4

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Venturing into the world of Cyberpunk 2077 won’t just have players stop a dystopia in a futuristic landscape, it also involves immersing into the many aspects of its world’s possible cyberpunk future. On top of futuristic vehicles, weaponry, and even wild cybernetics, players of Cyberpunk 2077 have the opportunity to witness what romance could be like at a time when the essence of one’s being is put into question.

The game is perhaps unique on the RPG romance front specifically for characters not being biased on what gender or genitalia protagonist V possesses. Rather, Cyberpunk 2077 characters capable of romance can lean towards specific body types and voices, as well as sets of characters being available for relationships, romantic encounters, and even casual experiences. Not only that, but some romances also affect the overall endings that players get in the game, giving more weight to the gameplay feature.

How Is Romance In Cyberpunk 2077?

Unsurprisingly, even the cyber-dystopia of Cyberpunk 2077 can provide players with romance options. However, what’s surprising is how romanceable characters are only eligible to be in relationships with players of a specific voice type and body type. While this supports the idea of even NPCs possessing preferences, the limited romance options can be a turn-off for some players.

However, the game does compensate with rather subtle cues of developing relationships with characters - such as choosing dialogue indicative of supporting them, not leaving their side until certain tasks are finished, and making time for them.

12 Fable 3

Metascore: 89

Fable 3
Fable 3

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox 360
Released
October 26, 2010
Developer(s)
Lionhead Studios
Genre(s)
Action RPG

How Many Romance Options

Almost all NPCs

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Players of Fable 3 take on the role of the Royal Hero, whose parent is the Hero of Bowerstone and the protagonist of the first Fable games. When their parent dies, rulership of the kingdom of Albion falls onto Logan, the Royal Hero’s older brother. Unfortunately, when Logan’s rule descends into tyranny, it’s up to the exiled Royal Hero to usurp King Logan and become the kingdom’s kind ruler.

The Royal Hero of Fable 3 engages in traditional hack-and-slash combat, being able to use a combination of melee, ranged, and magic attacks against enemies. On top of the game’s morality mechanics, Fable 3 boasts ruling mechanics that allow players to eventually manage the kingdom. Moreover, players can develop relationships with almost all minor NPCs they encounter in the game, most of which can blossom into marriages.

Romance In Fable 3

Interestingly enough, romance in Fable 3 is most compelling during and after the marriage. On top of being able to get married with a co-op partner, Fable 3 marriages require players to have a house in a town of their choosing, with the town itself dictating the options for marriage ceremonies. There’s also an option to have a marriage ceremony with a high chance of enemies attacking, forcing players and their newly betrothed to protect each other. When players have children, they get sent to Bowerstone Orphanage in the event of a divorce, though player characters may re-adopt them to become single parents.

11 Stardew Valley

Metascore: 89

Stardew Valley - RPG With Great Romances
Stardew Valley

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox One , Android , iOS , PS4 , Switch
Released
February 26, 2016
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Genre(s)
RPG , Simulation

How Many Romance Options

12

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Simulation fans know that Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has dedicated quite a lot of time and effort to make a robust farm sim like that of Stardew Valley. After all, the open-ended RPG lets players manage their own farm in the way they want - craft goods, raise livestock, grow crops, fight monsters in mines, and even marry and raise children.

And while Stardew Valley has an incredibly in-depth simulation system on its own, its romance element isn't a pushover, either. As with standard dating sims, players can develop relationships with a huge cast of NPCs. However, as their relationship grows deeper with a character, players also participate in exclusive side stories related to said character. Each NPC has a unique storyline that adds depth to the colorful town of Stardew Valley, and it makes the player's stay feel more alive compared to just being inside a sim.

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How Is Romance In Stardew Valley?

While gameplay has Stardew Valley players focus heavily on farming, the game is no slouch regarding romance. Almost every NPC can be romanced in the game, and Stardew Valley has quite an intricate Hearts system that can grow based on interactions and gifts. With the wealth of NPCs in the game, players may delight in unlocking unique cutscenes as they develop their relationships with them, with tying the knot making all the effort feel worthwhile courtesy of a special wedding scene.

10 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Metascore: 89

Fire Emblem Three Houses - RPG With Great Romances
Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
July 26, 2019
Developer(s)
Intelligent Systems
Genre(s)
Strategy , RPG

How Many Romance Options

22 for Male, 24 for Female

Is There A Canon Romance

No

As with other Fire Emblem titles, Fire Emblem: Three Houses incorporates strategic combat and real-time tactics with in-depth character customization. This time around, Three Houses also has unique time management and social simulation elements included. In the story, the continent of Fodlan is enjoying a period of peace between three families, connected via a monastery and an officer's school that teaches students from these three houses.

Fans of military RPGs would appreciate Three Houses for its unique blend of tactics and social relationships. The protagonist, a teacher at Garreg Mach Monastery, will build relationships with their students. Based on their actions, players can recruit more students and even marry a romantic interest after a time skip in the story.

How Is Romance In Fire Emblem: Three Houses?

While Three Houses doesn’t have a child system, the Fire Emblem title carries the series tradition of players receiving benefits in the presence of their spouse. The artistic flair in Three Houses means the exclusive art of the player and their chosen partner can also make for quite the “exclusive” feel in the relationship. Choosing a romantic partner is also tied to many elements in the game, such as the House of choice, developing bonds, and even support conversations. The focus on relationships in Three Houses and the main story can make for quite a compelling romance experience.

9 Planescape: Torment

Metascore: 91

Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Torment

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
December 12, 1999
Genre(s)
RPG
Developer(s)
Black Isle Studios

How Many Romance Options

2

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Contrary to the traditional fantasy hero of Dungeons & Dragons stories is the Nameless One of Planescape: Torment, whose timeless existence has been littered with countless deaths and rebirths. Unfortunately for him, he wakes up in the city of Sigil at the center of the multiverse with no recollection of who he was or why he even became immortal in the first place.

Throughout the player’s adventures in Planescape: Torment, they will attempt to recover the Nameless One’s memories with the help of various companions. Thanks to dialogue options, the Nameless One may develop much deeper bonds with these allies, some of which have larger implications for the plot than players may have realized.

Romance In Planescape: Torment

Given how Planescape: Torment represents the more multiversal aspects of Dungeons & Dragons adventures, it makes sense for romance in the game’s rather dark narrative to also represent different aspects of romance. While there are two official romantic options, most companions represent intense passion despite self-loathing, grief of loved ones obtained and lost, mutual respect throughout adventures, as well as attraction and adoration out of a prophecy.

8 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Metascore: 91

Dragon Quest XI S Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Developer

Square Enix

Release Date

July 29, 2017

Platforms

Nintendo 3DS, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Stadia

Genre

Fantasy

How Many Romance Options

8

Is There A Canon Romance

Yes

Fans of the Dragon Quest series know that the acclaimed JRPG takes immersion and character development one step further by showing players just how integral even the simplest NPCs become in the story. In the case of Dragon Quest 11’s story, the Luminary is indeed the central character to the plot, but his companions - particularly Gemma - remain an ever-present part of his development. As the story of their journey to save the world slowly progresses, so too would the Luminary’s relationship with each of these companions, all of whom have a serious and often tragic past.

However, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age takes this a step further, especially in the context of romance. Whereas Gemma becomes the prime love interest in both titles, Echoes allows players to take on any companion as a partner. While only Gemma, Serena, and Veronica give semblances of a romantic relationship with the Luminary, the other characters show different forms of partnerships to players. For instance, whereas Rab’s highlights a deepening friendship quite unlike other games, the other males display varying degrees of male partnership.

How Is Romance In Dragon Quest 11 S?

While Dragon Quest 11 S allows players to be with their preferred party member, only Gemma is a viable marriage candidate. The rest can become a player’s lifelong companion, but the “companion” is stressed throughout the experience. In the post-game, players are tasked to rebuild Cobblestone and finish this quest with the Disciple’s Trial. Upon completing this, they’re given options for a wish, one of which is to be with someone forever. After choosing a companion, players return home to their chosen comrade, who sleeps in a separate room.

7 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Metascore: 93

divinity original sin 2 poison build
Divinity: Original Sin 2

Platform(s)
Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
September 14, 2017
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Genre(s)
RPG

How Many Romance Options

7

Is There A Canon Romance

No

Folks of Larian Studios did an excellent job incorporating a complex narrative within a vast interactive world in Divinity: Original Sin 2. In the story, six characters journey across the world of Rivellon to attain Divinity while fulfilling their personal agendas. Sadly, despite forming deep bonds of friendship, they eventually have to choose between their humanity and the power to change Rivellon itself.

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Fans will already love Original Sin 2 for its in-depth dialogue and storytelling. However, fans will also appreciate Original Sin 2 for slowly forming romances between characters that interact with each other. While the game only has one canon love story, the potential developments between other characters can make for memorable tales in every playthrough.

How Is Romance In Divinity: Original Sin 2?

Players can romance one of seven characters throughout Divinity: Original Sin 2, with the game not offering many gameplay benefits after getting into a relationship with them. However, where Original Sin 2 shines is how these characters are developed, with little moments ensuring players get attached to them somehow. Romance in the game also requires players to meet specific objectives in the story; making their decisions adds more weight to what happens not just to Rivellon but to the characters accompanying them.

6 Persona 5

Metascore: 93

Main Characters of Persona 5
Persona 5

Platform(s)
PS3 , PS4
Released
September 15, 2016
Developer(s)
P-Studio
Genre(s)
RPG , Social Simulation

How Many Romance Options

9

Is There A Canon Romance

No (but one is hinted)

Being a spinoff of SMT, Persona players might notice that both titles feature characters capturing and using creatures in mythology and folklore to save the world. Unlike the demons of SMT, Persona has players tapping into Personas, or manifestations of the self, to help thwart supernatural threats.

More importantly, Persona, and especially Persona 5, has a deeper emphasis on character relationships. As the leader of Phantom Thieves of Hearts, players need to balance their relationships with their fellow members while defending the Metaverse from entities that want to use human desires for evil gain. Unlike other Persona titles, Persona 5 has perhaps one of the most interactive takes on the dating sim formula implemented by the series.

How Is Romance In Persona 5?

With Persona 5 taking on the series tradition of focusing more on social interactions, it’s unsurprising that players can develop relationships with characters as soon as raise them to Confidant Level 9. Romance doesn’t change anything in the game, though hitting Level 10 lets players date or spend time in their room. They also get a special Valentine’s Day cutscene with them and an extra scene at the end of the day. Players can date multiple characters, though they’re up for a nasty surprise on February 15.

5 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Metascore: 96

Skyrim-9
Skyrim

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox One X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , Switch
Released
November 11, 2011
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Genre(s)
RPG , Action , Adventure

How Many Romance Options

Almost all NPCs (around 65)

Is There A Canon Romance

No

While fans eagerly await the eventual release of The Elder Scrolls 6, players can rely on the ever-present The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim to give them a glimpse of one of the most customizable and expansive fantasy life simulators of all time. Although first and foremost an RPG, the wide variety of mods and features in the game make it both an effective RPG and a life sim, with its marriage feature one of the most expansive in the genre.

In Skyrim, players can only marry an eligible character after attaining the Amulet of Mara from a particular questline. Despite the rather steep requirement, marriage in the game offers many quirky events for players. Aside from having an unkillable companion and homecooked meals, Skyrim tries to simulate married life as accurately as possible in a fantasy setting. These include being able to move into either person’s property, purchasing merchandise exclusively for the marriage, or even turning the spouse into a vampire.

How Is Romance In The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim?

Among RPGs in the market, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has one of the most romantic prospects for players. With the RPG practically a fantasy story and life simulator packed into a game, it’s no surprise that players get a lot of interactions with their spouses. After finishing a requirement from their spouse-to-be and wearing the Amulet of Mara, they can marry their chosen partner, with characters of positive disposition towards the player appearing as guests.

The character and their spouse then live in either of their owned properties, with the spouse potentially being a shopkeeper, cooking for players, and even adopting the spouse’s existing children. Despite the wealth of post-marriage options in Skyrim, there’s sadly little to offer regarding personality dynamics.